Hornets Sting Magic Amidst Knueppel Injury

LaMelo Ball scored 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds to guide the Charlotte Hornets to a 120-105 win against the Orlando Magic. The victory was partially overshadowed by a right ankle injury sustained by rookie forward Kon Knueppel in the first half of the game. Knueppel had been a strong offensive presence, scoring 16 points in the first quarter alone.

The Hornets displayed impressive shooting from beyond the arc, making 19 of 39 three-pointers, and established a commanding 24-point lead in the fourth quarter. Key contributors included Miles Bridges with 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Moussa Diabate with 10 points and 13 rebounds, helping Charlotte secure their fourth win in their last six outings. The team's rebounding advantage was significant, outrebounding the Magic 53-42.

The Orlando Magic faced their own challenges, playing without injured starters Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs. Anthony Black led the Magic with 24 points, supported by Desmond Bane's 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Wendell Carter Jr.'s 16 points and eight rebounds. The Magic have now lost four of their last six games.